Charles J. Hughes

Lyons Falls- Charles J. Hughes, 73, of Lyonsdale Road, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, while under the loving care of his longtime loving partner, Norma, family and Hospice.

Charles was born in Utica, on October 16, 1949, a son of John T. and Evelyn J. Miller Hughes. He grew up on his family homestead farm at Collinsville and graduated from South Lewis High School, with the Class of 1967. While in high school, Charles excelled in playing baseball. In 1969, he graduated from SUNY Morrisville, earning an Associate Degree in Agriculture, before continuing to further his education by attending Cornell University for three years.

During his younger years Charles assisted his father in the operation of the family farm. After attending Cornell, he purchased the former Ralph Salmon Farm on the East Road, which he and his family operated for many years. Later he was employed with EMI Air Conditioning Co, of Rome; upon EMI’s closing, Mr. Hughes transferred his employment to Utica Boiler Manufacturing Co. of Utica, where he was employed for many years, retiring as a materials manager.

He was a member of Forest Presbyterian Church, Lyons Falls. For forty years he served on the Collinsville Cemetery Board and also as cemetery caretaker. Charles greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family. For many seasons he played Men’s League Softball, on the Central Hotel, Glenfield Team. He also enjoyed watching sports, Jeopardy and was an avid reader of western novels. He will be fondly recalled by family and friends for being an avid player of Scratch Off Lottery games.

In addition to his loving partner, Norma Griffin, Charles is survived by eight children: Matthew Hughes (Manuel), Tampa, FL, Shannon Storms (Mark) Carthage, NY, Mary Hughes (Lee), Lyonsdale, NY, Erin Hughes, Rochester, NY, Angela La Fountain (Mark), Steven Griffin (Missy), Bryon Griffin (Heather) and Ben Griffin (Krissy) all of Lyonsdale; seventeen grandchildren, three great grandchildren; three sisters, Peg Pitcher (Jim), Marilyn Pidgeon, Carolyn Levan (Tim) and a brother-in- law Eric Wilson. He was predeceased by his parents, a sister, Virginia Wilson and brother-in-law, Bob Pidgeon.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Augustu 31, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Collinsville Cemetery, East Road, Hamlet of Collinsville. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Collinsville Cemetery Association, C/O Marilyn Pidgeon, 3521 River Road, Port Leyden, NY 13433, or to Lewis County Office for the Aging, directed to the Meals on Wheels program at 5274 Outer Stowe Street, Lowville, NY 13367, or to Friends of Lewis County Hospice, P.O. Box 266, Lowville, NY 13367. Arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville.